Bucknell Hazing Investigation Results in Two-Year Probation, Seniors Suspended For a Game

Bucknell's men's lacrosse program has been placed on two-year probation by the university and its seniors will be suspended from Saturday's game vs. Boston University after an investigation "concluded that the men’s lacrosse team has engaged in hazing activity," the school announced Friday night.

The Bison sit at 4-4 on the season, 2-2 in the Patriot League after being highly ranked coming into the season.

The statement from the university is below, outlining the findings and the directives of the program's probation; the probation refers mostly to what is outlined in the second paragraph below and does not include any loss of competition or scheduling limitations.

Statement from Bucknell:

Bucknell University has concluded an investigation into alleged hazing activities and other violations of the Student Code of Conduct by members of the men's lacrosse team. The investigation, which was coordinated by the Dean of Students Office, included interviews with every member of the team and its coaching staff. As a result of the investigation, the University has concluded that the men’s lacrosse team has engaged in hazing activity, including by requiring first year members of the team to perform menial tasks, as well as other violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the Student-Athlete Handbook, and team policy. The University, through the Athletics Department and in consultation with the Office of the Dean of Students, has placed the men’s lacrosse program on a two-year probation. Senior members of the team have also been given a one-game suspension for failure to meet leadership expectations.

In addition to the above actions, the University is taking measures to improve the culture within the men’s lacrosse program in an effort to avoid such conduct in the future. Those actions include developing a new standard of behavior policy applicable to team-member conduct on and off campus, requiring that team members participate in a team community service project, and mandating participation in additional hazing training beyond the hazing education that is already regularly provided to all student-athletes.

University policy and state law prohibit hazing in all of its forms, and Bucknell University will not tolerate such conduct. Student-athletes are expected to show respect for one another and bring pride to the institution both on and off the field. The Athletics Department will work closely with the men’s lacrosse program during its probationary period to ensure it is acting consistent with the Department’s goals of promoting the personal growth of student-athletes, celebrating challenge and competition, and preparing participants for service and leadership in the world.